Latest news with #GirlScoutsofAmerica
The Guardian
05-04-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Girl Scout cookies contain heavy metals beyond safe limits, lawsuit alleges
Girl Scout cookies contain lead, arsenic, cadmium, aluminum and mercury at levels that often exceed regulators' recommended limits, as well as concerning amounts of a toxic herbicide, a new class action lawsuit alleges. The suit bases its allegations on a December 2024 study commissioned by the GMO Science and Moms Across America nonprofits that tested 25 cookies gathered from across several states, and found all contained at least four out of five of the heavy metals. Lead was found in all but one cookie, and all samples contained glyphosate, a highly toxic and controversial weed killer that is banned in many countries because it's so dangerous. Girl Scouts took aim at the study in a blog post. 'The health and safety of Girl Scouts and cookie customers is our top priority,' it stated. 'Rest assured: Girl Scout Cookies are safe to consume.' It added: 'Our trusted baking partners continue to ensure the integrity of our recipes and the safety of all Girl Scout Cookie products in accordance with federal regulations and Global Food Safety initiative standards.' However, the lawsuit states: 'While the entire sales practice system for Girl Scout Cookies is built on a foundation of ethics and teaching young girls sustainable business practices, defendants failed to uphold this standard themselves.' The lawsuit seeks $5m in damages and asks a New York state court to order Girl Scouts of America to affix a warning to the cookies. The heavy metals are especially dangerous for young children, and can cause brain damage and developmental issues. Glyphosate exposure in children is linked to liver inflammation and hormone disruption, among other issues. About 200m boxes of the cookies are sold annually. Thin mints showed the highest levels of glyphosate, and the Peanut Butter Patties, S'mores, Caramel deLites and gluten-free Toffee-tastic had the highest levels of toxic metals. Though the report compared its findings to the federal limits on metals in water, the US Food and Drug Administration typically limits the amount of lead in food to two parts per billion (ppb) to 10 ppb. All but three cookies exceed 2 ppb. The non-profit Girl Scouts said heavy metals occur naturally in soil, suggesting that its cookies contained 'trace amounts', which is common in food and not a safety issue. However, the levels found in most of the cookies are higher than what's considered trace amounts. It also stated that glyphosate is found 'nearly everywhere' in the food chain. Glyphosate is often in produce and processed foods, and the levels found in the cookies – with the exception of the Thin Mints – are lower than the EPA's recommended intake for an adult. But it is unclear what the impact on children might be. Organic produce and processed foods broadly contain no or much lower levels of glyphosate and other pesticides. The high levels of metal contamination are also not unique to Girl Scout cookies – cinnamon in Gerber baby food was found to contain lead and sued for violating California's Proposition 65 limits in 2021. Vineet Dubey, an attorney who sued Gerber but is not involved in the Girl Scout lawsuit, said the toxins likely stem from Gerber and Girl Scouts 'buying inexpensive ingredients and from places that are known to have problems with polluted soil, air and water'.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What is Moms Across America? Group's report on Girl Scout cookies sparks lawsuit
"Making the invisible visible." That's the stated mission of two organizations behind a recent study claiming Girl Scout cookies contain toxic chemicals. In December, nonprofits Moms Across America and GMOScience published a study that found 100% of tested Girl Scout cookies contain "elevated levels" of aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury, and that 13 types of cookies were positive for high levels of glyphosate, a herbicide used to kill weeds. The study, titled, "Danger in the Dough: Unveiling the Toxic Contaminants in Girl Scout Cookies," has received criticism, as it wasn't published by a scientific journal or peer reviewed. Experts say the study was also of a small sample size − only 25 cookies − and compared heavy metals and glyphosate levels to the Environmental Protection Agency's water safety limits, which aren't applicable for food. In a Feb. 6 blog post, Girl Scouts of America denounced the study's claims, reassuring customers that, "Girl Scout Cookies are safe to consume" and meet all regulations set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and EPA. Can you still eat Girl Scout cookies? Here's what to know about risks to consumers On March 10, a New York woman filed a federal lawsuit against Girl Scouts of America, claiming the organization, in addition to cookie manufacturers Ferrero U.S.A. and Interbake Foods are selling cookies that contain toxins. The woman has since dismissed herself, but New Yorkers Danielle Barbaro and Judy Cholewa have since taken over as plaintiffs. As the lawsuit unfolds, here's what to know about the organizations behind the Girl Scout cookie study. Lawsuit: Girl Scouts hit with suit over alleged heavy metals, toxins in its cookies The study was authored by Michelle Perro, CEO of GMOScience; Zen Honeycutt, founder and executive director of Moms Across America; and Stephanie Seneff, senior research scientist at the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. The three women have a history of targeting GMOs, glyphosate and other toxic chemicals in foods: Perro describes herself as a veteran pediatrician with more than 40 years of experience in "acute and integrative medicine." She is the co-author of "What's Making our Children Sick?: How Industrial Food Is Causing an Epidemic of Chronic Illness and What Parents (and Doctors) Can Do About It." In addition to founding Moms Across America, Honeycutt authored a book recounting how her and her family transitioned to an all-organic diet in an effort to avoid GMOs, or genetically-modified organisms. And Seneff, who holds degrees in biophysics, electrical engineering and computer science, has been an MIT senior research scientist since 2010, she told USA TODAY. She also authored a book arguing that glyphosate is responsible for "debilitating chronic diseases, including autism, liver disease and more." Perro and Seneff both serve on Moms Across America's advisory board, according to the organization's website. Jessica Steier, CEO of Vital Statistics Consulting and founder of the podcast "Unbiased Science," has been familiar with Moms Across America for several years, first analyzing a study the organization conducted about glyphosate levels in Banza chickpea pasta in 2024. Vital Statistics Consulting is a data science consultancy that specializes in public health analytics. Steier told USA TODAY that she became familiar with the Girl Scout cookie study after concerned parents began reaching out with questions. "From my analysis, Moms Across America consistently presents data in ways that create maximum alarm by misrepresenting statistics, highlighting preliminary research without proper context and fundamentally misunderstanding a basic toxicology principle: the presence of a substance does not automatically indicate risk," Steier said in an email. "The dose makes the poison, and this nuance is consistently absent from their work." As an example, Steier spoke about the study's glyphosate level claims, which state that the levels in several of the cookies were "334 times higher" than what is harmful to consume. Steier said when analyzed, "the highest glyphosate level they found (111 parts per billion in Thin Mints) would require a child to consume over 9,000 cookies in a single day to approach even the most conservative safety thresholds." In response, Honeycutt told USA TODAY that consumers should be "alarmed." "We hope that rather than attack the messengers, they (Girl Scouts of America) chose to select better ingredients, empower their girls to learn new skills by baking their own organic cookies and be champions for regenerative organic farming." Established in 2013, Moms Across America is a nonprofit dedicated to advocating against GMOs, through the lens of empowering mothers. Genetically-modified organisms are plants, animals or microorganisms that have had their DNA changed, according to the FDA. Common ingredients that contain GMOs include cornstarch, corn syrup, corn oil, soybean oil, canola oil and granulated sugar, according to the FDA. Some fresh produce, like potatoes, apples and pink pineapples are also available in GMO varieties. The FDA says that GMOs are safe to eat, as they are tested by the FDA, EPA and U.S. Department of Agriculture before being put on the market. Honeycutt told USA TODAY that Moms Across America conducts studies and produces data that "shows that our food is contaminated." The group has previously come under fire for claims it made about other publicly-available food items, with some arguing their claims were misleading or lack context. On its website, the organization outlines anti-vaccination rhetoric and alternative medications like a "vaccine detox herbal extract." Honeycutt has been a vocal supporter of U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was a former adviser to the organization, according to the Moms Across America website. Kennedy's office did not respond for comment when contacted by USA TODAY. GMOScience, founded in 2014, describes itself as "a voice for independent science." The group generates articles, videos and podcasts largely in opposition to GMOs. Honeycutt and Seneff are both advisors of GMOScience, according to the organization's website. The Health Research Institute and New Jersey Laboratories sampled the Girl Scout cookies on behalf of Moms Across America and GMOScience. "Making the invisible visible," welcomes users on the Health Research Institute's website homepage. Based in Iowa, the Health Research Institute is a nonprofit that focuses on glyphosate testing, specifically in foods, founder John Fagan told USA TODAY. The institute, founded in 2015, employs five-full time scientists, he added. The Health Research Institute has worked with Moms Across America before. In 2022, Moms Across America released a study analyzing the amount of toxic chemicals found in school lunches, and the Health Research Institute conducted the research. According to the New Jersey Laboratories website, the lab was founded in 1936, at the time under the name New Jersey Dairy Laboratories. The lab specialized in dairy and food production testing. In the '70s, the lab became New Jersey Laboratories. New Jersey Laboratories tests products in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, dietary supplement, cosmetic, dairy and food industries, according to its website. New Jersey Laboratories Chief Commercial Office Rajul Vyas told USA TODAY that the laboratory is unable to discuss the details of the study due to a non-disclosure agreement with Moms Across America, which Honeycutt confirmed. Vyas said the lab signs NDAs with all of its clients. Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at gcross@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Moms Across America: Group's Girl Scout cookies report sparked lawsuit
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Are Girl Scout Cookies Safe to Eat Amidst Heavy Metal Lawsuit?
This article may contain affiliate links that Yahoo and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links. Girl Scout cookie season is here — if you drive around your neighborhood, you'll likely spot groups of kids in uniforms, ready to sell boxes of cookies. The Girl Scouts of America organization, founded in 1912, has evolved but remains focused on empowering youth to take risks and build agency. A key part of this mission is its entrepreneurial program, which teaches kids important life skills as they sell treats like Samoas and Thin Mints to eager customers. However, in recent weeks these beloved baked goods have faced controversy with claims of toxic ingredients. And just a few days ago, those concerns escalated to a serious lawsuit. Here's what we know: On March 10, 2025, Amy Mayo, a woman from New York, filed a federal lawsuit against the Girl Scouts of America organization, along with cookie manufacturers Ferrero U.S.A. and Interbake Foods. She claims they are selling cookies containing heavy metals and herbicides. The lawsuit draws its fuel from a study funded by Moms Across America and GMO Science, which found that 100 percent of the cookies tested contained traces of aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. Additionally, the findings show that 13 cookie flavors had high levels of the herbicide glyphosate. It's important to note that this study hasn't been peer-reviewed or published in a scientific journal and relies on a small sample size. So the Kitchn spoke with Wade Syers, a food safety specialist at Michigan State University, to get a clearer understanding of whether there's really cause for concern. More importantly, we wanted to know if people should think twice before buying Girl Scout cookies. Syers emphasizes that the claim of Girl Scout cookies being contaminated with heavy metals and herbicides is a serious one. 'Exposure to lead could cause lowered IQ, nervous system damage, slowed growth, hearing problems, and other issues,' he says. However, he notes that the likelihood of these symptoms would depend on the specific contaminant, how much is present, and how long someone is exposed. When asked if he'd buy a box of Thin Mints or Samoas, Syers said, 'At this point, I'm not too concerned.' With years of experience in food safety, he explains, 'There has not been a recall issued, and there are safety mechanisms in place that check for dangerous levels of contaminants. For instance, the FDA has a pesticide residue monitoring program that ensures many foods do not exceed limits.'Last month, when reports surfaced about the possibility of the cookies being tainted with toxic materials, the Girl Scouts of America responded in a press release, saying, 'The health and safety of Girl Scouts and cookie customers is our top priority. Rest assured: Girl Scout Cookies are safe to consume.' The organization also pointed out that its iconic treats are made with ingredients that meet food safety standards set by the FDA and other relevant authorities. We Asked 3 Chefs to Name the Best Ice Cream, and They All Said the Same Thing Le Creuset Launched a Pan That's Perfect for Everything from Stews to Stir-Fry — and It's Already on Sale Ball Just Dropped the Most Beautiful Mason Jars for Its 140th Anniversary ("So Iconic!") Sign up for The Kitchn's Daily newsletter to receive our best recipes, posts, and shopping tips in your inbox.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Are Girl Scout Cookies Safe? A Lawsuit Raises Concerns Over ‘Dangerous Toxins'
Girl Scouts of America is facing a proposed class-action lawsuit that claims its cookies contain heavy metals and pesticides. According to Reuters, the lawsuit was filed in federal court on Monday against Girl Scouts of America and its cookie manufacturers Ferrero U.S.A. and Interbake Foods. The lawsuit is led by Amy Mayo out of New York State. Specifically, the lawsuit calls out a 2024 study commissioned by Moms Across America and GMO Science, which tested the cookies for toxic metals and the herbicide glyphosate/AMPA. According to the findings, "100% of the samples were positive for glyphosate, 100% were positive for toxic metals, 22 out of 25 (88%) of samples were positive for all five toxic metals, 76% were positive for levels of cadmium that exceed EPA limits in water, and 24 out of 25 (96%) of samples were positive for lead." Related: A Highly Subjective Ranking of the Best Girl Scout Cookies In the lawsuit, Mayo says she would have either paid "substantially less" or not purchased the cookies at all had the organization disclosed the "dangerous toxins." However, it's critical to note that this study was not peer-reviewed, nor was it published in a scientific or academic journal that will call for that kind of rigorous background. It also had a very small sample size, testing and purchasing only 25 cookies across three states: California, Iowa, and Louisiana. Furthermore, as USA Today pointed out, the study compared the levels of heavy metals and glyphosate to Environmental Protection Agency standards, rather than those set by the Food and Drug Administration. Still, it was enough to persuade a class-action suit. "While the entire sales practice system for Girl Scout Cookies is built on a foundation of ethics and teaching young girls sustainable business practices, defendants failed to uphold this standard themselves," the lawsuit claims. The lawsuit seeks $5 million in damages to be paid to U.S. buyers and an injunction requiring Girl Scouts to add disclosures to its packaging. Related: Are Stanley Cups Safe to Use? We're Settling the Debate While Girl Scouts hasn't commented on the lawsuit, it did reply to the study in a February blog post, noting, "The health and safety of Girl Scouts and cookie customers is our top priority. Rest assured: Girl Scout Cookies are safe to consume." It added that its cookies are made with "ingredients that adhere to food safety standards set by the FDA and other relevant authorities." It also added that these contaminants are often found in the environment, which "does not mean that these foods are harmful to consume." "The Girl Scout Cookie Program is about more than a sweet treat. It teaches Girl Scouts to think critically, build confidence, and use the skills of entrepreneurship, leadership, and business ethics in the real world," It added. "And remember: every purchase of Girl Scout Cookies powers life-changing experiences for Girl Scouts right in your local community. Visit to support a troop in your area." Read the original article on Food & Wine
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
As Girl Scouts celebrate 113 years, a local camp asking for community help
MARTINEZ, Ga (WJBF)- Wednesday, the Girl Scouts of America is celebrating its 113th birthday. Camps across the country are preparing for an influx of girls, except for one local one. The Girl Scouts are wrapping up cookie season and preparing to head to camp. But with tens of thousands of dollars of work to do on Camp Tanglewood, it's not likely it will be open in time for summer camp. 'I mean, 113 years of legacy. And that is amazing,' exclaimed Shawn Risher, Community Engagement Manager for Girls Scout of Historic Georgia. Girl Scouts is a global organization that empowers young girls to become leaders in their communities. But the organization had humble beginning, starting in Savannah with 18 girls on March 12, 1912. 'All the volunteers and all the staff work really hard to give the girls such a positive pathway into entrepreneurship and self-motivation and, you know, just willingness to be that empowered young lady,' Risher said. Cookies and camp are two words that are synonymous with Girl Scouts. Camp Tanglewood in Martinez has been a fixture for more than 80 years. During Helene it sustained major damage, losing 11 structures. For many who love the camp– seeing the damage was devastating. 'We were actually supposed to be camping the day after, our troop and another troop. We were supposed to be camping there. The cabins we were going to be in had a tree in it. And so just shock and awe and it still, like, makes me cry or get teary, because that would have been awful. But then all the memories,' explained Mona Cox, Youth Coordinator and Troop Co-Leader. We checked in with Camp Tanglewood in November and saw the devastation for ourselves. Now, 4 months later, the camp looks much different with the storm debris cleaned up. 'We've got most everything cabin wise and structure wise tore down and ready to be replaced. We're just waiting on the proper channels to clear up,' said Risher. The Girl Scouts organization has insurance on the camp, but Risher explained that it's not enough to cover the cost of the work. They've set up a GoFundMe, asking for the community's help to raise the $50,000 they still need to rebuild. 'These cabins that were destroyed are being replaced at the value of those cabins. So, you know, you can imagine how old those cabins were. So we you know, we just need a little extra help.' While they won't be open in time for summer camp, the organization is hoping to be ready for one of it's big annual events in September. 'It gives you hope. Everything's going to be okay. It's all going to work out. We're going to rebuild. We'll make new memories. Everything's going to be fine,' said Cox. If you are interested in volunteering or would like to make a donation to the cleanup effort at Camp Tanglewood, you can find their website HERE and the GoFundMe page HERE. Also, in honor of its birthday, the Girl Scout of America will be gifting baby girls born March 12, 2025 with a year of membership once they turn 5. Locally it will be given to baby girls born at Doctors Hospital. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
